I've seen these lists over the years, but I thought I'd put together an updated list for 2025.
As the Rams get ready to start camp for the 2025 season, with perhaps the most excitement since the eventual 2021 Super Bowl winner opened summer camp, let's take a look at the top ten players that have played the most important position on the team, Quarterback, since the 1937 inception of the Cleveland Rams.
1. Kurt Warner - His story is perhaps the greatest rags-to-riches story in NFL history. 1999 out of nowhere, "We will rally around Kurt Warner, and we will play good football", became an amazingly prophetic understatement, and Warner slayed the loser-label the Rams bore for nearly the entire decade of the '90's. The Rams won their first Super Bowl in franchise history, and nearly repeated the feat in 2001, creating a mini-dynasty of the Greatest Show on Truth, were it not for the Cheatriots. Kurt started only 50 games for the Rams, (was 35-15 .700 winning percentage) and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2. Norm Van Brocklin- (65 starts 42-20-3 .669) Drafted by the Rams in 1949, Van Brocklin initially platooned in an unusual and successful offensive system with Bob Waterfield. The Rams had a prolific passing attack with Tom Fears and Elroy "Crazy legs" Hirsch at the receiving end of the ball. NVB still holds the single game record of 554 yards in 1951 game and the Los Angeles Rams won their first pre-Superbowl title that year. Van Brocklin is enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
3. Matthew Stafford- (57 starts 34-23 .596) Brought over in a shocking and exciting trade before the 2021 season, Matthew Stafford immediately led the Rams to their first Superbowl title in the city of Los Angeles. Stafford continued his legacy from the Lions of toughness, a strong arm, and a true leader. The future hall of Famer is still at the top of his game, and could move his way to the top of this list before he retires.
4. Bob Waterfield- (Only 22 starts! 14-8 .636) Sole entry on this list from the Cleveland era, Waterfield's #7 is retired by the Rams, and he led the Cleveland Rams to the 1945 Championship. He was one of the best passers, punters and kickers in his era. Bob Waterfield is a Hall of Famer, and the man was married to Jane Russell. So, there's that.
5. Roman Gabriel- (Team most 119 starts 74-39-6 .647) The much-loved Gabriel led the Rams throughout the late 1960's and early 1970's. Roman was NFL MVP in 1969. The 4-time pro-bowler led the league in passing touchdowns twice and passing yards in 1969. Sadly, the Rams did not enjoy any playoff success under Gabriel, and he was later traded to the Eagles.
6. Jim Everett- (105 starts 46-59 YIKES! .438) The franchise record holder in yards and second in total starts can't fall too far down the list. Jim Everett was very talented and competitive in the late '80's but is certainly tainted by the "phantom sack" and the inability to conquer the 49ers.
7. Jared Goff- (69 starts 42-27 .609) Goff came in 1st overall pick in 2016 and recovered from a terrible start to take the Rams to the Super Bowl LIII in the 2018 season. Goff may have lacked the killer instinct, but his .609 winning percentage and overall success put him at #7 on the list.
8. Vince Ferragamo- (44 starts 26-18 .591) Taking the Rams to the Superbowl is always going to raise your stature in the eyes of Rams fans. In 1979, Ferragamo took over as starter and took an improbably team (Probably the least-talented Rams team of the 1970's) and nearly beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XIV. I only wish his time as starter was more consistent, and longer, and the Rams may have hoisted a Lombardi in the early Eighties.
9. Mark Bulger- (95 starts 41-54 .432 yeesh) Mad Mike Martz made a bad decision giving up on Kurt Warner when he battled a thumb injury in 2002. But he was onto something that wasn't too crazy. Mark Bulger was a very talented (and the best of the Brady 6) quarterback. Two-time Pro Bowler Bulger is ninth on this list.
10. James Harris- (27 starts 21-6 .778) With apologies to John Hadl (Not enough games -19 starts 15-4 .789) and Pat Haden (I just couldn't -55 starts 35-19) James Harris was one of the first black starting quarterbacks (I hate that label) when it truly was groundbreaking and came with a lot of pressure. He was a good leader, steady and deserves #10 on this list.
There you are gentlemen. One man's opinion. What is your top 10 quarterback list, circa 2025?
